We are pleased to offer the LSVT BIG program for the treatment of individuals with Parkinson’s disease with our certified physical therapist, Sara Costa, who has been providing this exciting and proven program since 2014. LSVT BIG is a research-based exercise approach and standardized treatment protocol designed to address the motor impairments often seen in patients with Parkinson’s disease including: small and slow steps, shuffling, freezing, decreased balance, frequent falls, changes in posture, body stiffness, pain, and difficulty with movement and activities of daily living like getting dressed, manipulating small objects, eating, bathing, getting in and out of bed, and transfers from sit to stand.

The LSVT BIG protocol consists of 16 individual one hour long physical therapy sessions (4 times per week for 4 weeks) with our certified LSVT BIG physical therapist Sara Costa. In addition, each one hour personalized session includes addressing specific patient goals related to movement, walking and balance, daily homework practice, and daily carryover exercises to help improve the outcomes of your treatment. The LSVT BIG program has been developed and scientifically researched over the past 25 years and can help to improve the motor functioning in people with Parkinson’s including faster walking with bigger steps, less shuffling, improved balance, increased trunk rotation, decreased pain and stiffness, and increased ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL’s) with more confidence and independence. The primary focus of this program is to train all daily movement to be “bigger” and to help people “recalibrate” how they perceive their movements with what others actually see and how much effort it takes to normalize daily movement. Moving “bigger” helps to empower patients with Parkinson’s to avoid inactivity and participate more fully in their everyday life.

Even if your medications are working well to control and manage your symptoms and you feel you are moving and functioning well, it is never too early to begin LSVT BIG. By the time Parkinson’s is first diagnosed, significant changes in the brain have already occurred. Treatment with LSVT BIG BEFORE noticing changes in posture, balance, and movement may help you prevent future problems and maintain optimal movement for years to come. Research suggests that you should not wait to start the LSVT BIG program until you begin to experience changes, impaired function, loss of balance, or disability. The best time to start is EARLY! Many times people with Parkinson’s do not recognize that their posture or movements have changed. If a family member or friend has noticed changes in your balance, posture, or the size or speed of your everyday movements, call now for an evaluation. We will determine together after a thorough evaluation if the LSVT BIG program is right for you!